Sheikh Hasina’s first public appearance since leaving Bangladesh; Will she hint at return to Dhaka & political future?

New Delhi: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to make her first major public appearance before the media since her ouster from Dhaka in August 2024. She will address a virtual press conference hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia (FCC South Asia) in New Delhi on August 5. The event coincides with two years of dismantle of Awami League government in Bangladesh, post the massive student uprising in August 2024. During the press conference, Sheikh Hasina is expected to speak on her plans to return to Bangladesh by December and her vision for the country amid deepening political chaos & rift.

The virtual interaction will be held from 6PM to 7:30PM at the Sir Mark Tully Auditorium on Mathura Road, New Delhi and will also be live-streamed on the club’s social media platforms.

Two years after Bangladesh exit, Hasina may hint about political return

August 5 marks two years since Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh following a massive student-led uprising that led to dismantle of Awami League government after nearly 16 years in power. The protests, which initially erupted over a controversial quota system, evolved into a nationwide anti-government movement.

Since arriving in India, Hasina has largely remained away from public appearances and formal media interactions. While she has previously given written and email interviews and addressed virtual political events, the upcoming FCC South Asia programme will be her first significant open media interaction featuring a live press engagement.

Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, is also expected to participate, alongside former education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, former cricketer and ex-MP Shakib Al Hasan, former diplomat and security analyst Aminul Hoque Polash, counterterrorism analyst Abu Obaidha Arin and human rights advocates Mahammad Ali Siddique and Shah Md Bakhtiar. FCC South Asia President Dr Waiel Awwad will chair the event.

Hasina vows to return despite death sentence to restore Bangladesh democracy

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has repeatedly said that she intends to return to Bangladesh by December, despite facing a death sentence from a tribunal in Dhaka over her alleged role in ordering lethal force during the 2024 crackdown on protesters.

In recent remarks, the 78-year-old former Prime Minister acknowledged that her return to Bangladesh, despite facing arrest and capital punishment, is aimed at restoration of democratic environment, freedom of expression, political rights and the rule of law. She has argued that these conditions are essential for safeguarding Bangladesh’s sovereignty and the welfare of its people.

However, Bangladesh Law Minister M Asaduzzaman has made it clear that Hasina would likely be arrested immediately upon entering the country. Dhaka has also formally sought her extradition from India. Against this backdrop, Hasina’s August 5 address and her statements could have significant political repercussions in Bangladesh.